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Trees

Crataegus orientalis

eastern thorn

C. orientalis is a small, spreading, thorny, deciduous tree to around 6m tall. Deeply-cut, dark green downy leaves with 5-9 lobes are grey beneath and turn yellow in the autumn. White fragrant flowers in rounded sprays of twelve or more are followed by aromatic red or yellowish-red fruits

Other common names

oriental hawthorn

Synonyms

Crataegus laevigata 'Orientalis'
Crataegus laciniata misapplied

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Ultimate height

4–8 metres

Time to ultimate height

20–50 years

Ultimate spread

4–8 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to the UK: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Seeds may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus: Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour
Name status: Correct
Plant range: SE Europe W Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soils and situations

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wildlife gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Prone to caterpillars, gall mites and aphids

Diseases

May be affected by leaf spots, powdery mildews and fireblight

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